Red Nose Day Is in Full Swing Across the United States [Video]

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, people across the United States will sport a red clown nose to the office, school and other localities to celebrate U.S. Red Nose Day. Originally founded in the U.K., the annual campaign found its way to the United States of America in 2015. The red nose adds a comedic spin that utilizes entertainment to raise funds and awareness for children living in poverty.

Today, festivities are in full effect across the U.S. Red Nose Day is not the name of the charity founded by Jane Tewson and Richard Curtis founded. However, it is the most visible fundraiser. Comic Relief UK is the original name. In the U.S., money raised will fund the work of Comic Relief, Inc. (an organization previously known as America Gives Back Inc.). Curtis is the writer and director of several well-known films that are set in England, such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Notting Hill”, and “Love Actually.”

Red Nose Day is an annual event that has taken place in Britain for 30 years and now expands efforts to Africa, the U.S. and the U.K. in raising money for the underprivileged. Money raised through the global support of Red Nose Day’s programs ensure children in need are educated, healthy, and safe as they seek to survive in some of the poorest communities around the worldwide.

Britain has achieved extraordinary success over the years of fundraising for poverty-stricken areas. Since its 1988 launch, the campaign has reportedly raised more than a billion pounds. In the U.S., anticipation is in full swing for the festivities and opportunities to support these efforts as proven by the sale of the red clown noses at Walgreens. Today, the celebration is in full effect across the country.

Across the country, the red nose sells for one dollar at Walgreens, with half of the money from the sales going to the charity. The drug store chain is the only place to buy the official red nose where part of the proceeds goes to the charity. Walgreens is reporting tremendous sales, much higher than anticipated, with some stores running out of the clown noses in full-swing anticipation of the annual celebration. Walgreens has also been heavily advertising the day since mid-April and 14 of the store’s vendors, including Coca-Cola and Kraft, have committed to contributing to the Red Nose Day fund whenever their products are purchased.

To make people aware of the event and encourage involvement spreading laughter, Walgreens asks supporters to share pictures wearing their red noses on social media. People can take selfies and upload them with the following hashtags: #Red Nose, #promo, or #Walgreens.

As usual, NBC joins the celebration in a big way. Programs highlighting the Red Nose Day will air throughout the evening keeping viewers entertained as well as allowing opportunities for them to participate with donations. The televised crusade culminates at 10 p.m. with NBC’s third annual “The Red Nose Day Special” hosted by actor Chris Hardwick. The event is a type of telethon that features a host of celebrities sporting red noses and soliciting support.

Red Nose Day is an annual campaign that uses the power of entertainment to raise money and awareness for children living in poverty. Its goal to lift children out of paucity is centered on heart and humanity. Funds raised support programs in all 50 states as well as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Red Nose Day is in full effect as people across the United States wear red clown noses to the office, school, and other localities to celebrate U.S. Red Nose Day.

By Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Investor Place: Red Nose Day 2017 is Coming May 25
USA Today: Red Nose Day is today: What exactly is it?
NBC: NBC Expands Red Nose Day Celebration

Image Credits:

All Images Courtesy of Comic Relief’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License